Rocking Flannel on the Bike: A Kitsbow Icon Review
Fall and spring rides leave room for casual attire, the Kitsbow Icon serves as a great addition to the kit closet for those cooler days.
How I Wear It
The Kitsbow Icon was a go-to last Fall and been a big part of my Spring wardrobe for both biking and casual wear. I like to pair the Icon with a long sleeve base layer like Castelli’s Core Seamless Baselayer for added warmth. It only has front pockets, so I use Castelli’s Unlimited Bibs to hold snacks and accessories while adding to the laid back vibe.
The Icon is great off the bike, too. In Western North Carolina I’ve sported the flannel at Lookout Brewery in Black Mountain next to the fire pits or out to run errands in the cool mountain mornings.
Composition
The Icon flannel is handcrafted in Old Fort, NC. Kitsbow, having moved East from California, is shifting all of its manufacturing efforts to their new factory in Western Carolina.
The jersey is made of Pendelton fabric (also made in America) tailored in one of two formats: Signature or Athletic fit. The Pendelton fabric speaks to the quality of the composition. I can remember my father shopping at Pendelton when I was young and their shirts have lasted decades for him.
The jersey features shoulder and elbow patches which serve as form and function. Designed to be worn mountain biking or on gravel rides, the patches offer protection from briars, thorns, etc. while looking stylish here in the mountains.
Buttons snap fasteners make it easy to button-up or take off the jersey while riding. I haven’t had any issues with these fasteners coming undone descents or heavy gusts.
Air vents built into the back panel add style to the look and a healthy amount of fresh air. While riding I get enough circulation to not end up sweaty or overheated.
Pros
Made in America w/ American Fabric
Dual Usage: cycling jersey or causal flannel
Durability: it’s going to last a lifetime
Quality Construction
#trailcycled: Kitsbow’s commitment to sustainability which includes fully recyclable packaging
Buttons: snaps make it easy to button up or undo while riding
Cons
Price: at ~$250 the jersey comes in at the higher end
Backlog: not a true con, but there was a few week wait-list when I bought mine. This traces back to Covid and supply chain issues across the industry. Last time I heard from Kitsbow they are ramping up production post-Covid.
Itch: without a long sleeve base layer the wool can be a little itchy, but not bad
NYC based rider working in Product. Predominantly road, but starting to dabble into Gravel and CX. Beer connoisseur and cat daddy.
Instagram: @mitchell_napolitano
